ABSTRACT
Black women are able to access doula care and when they do, that care may not be culturally appropriate. This chapter documents the organizing efforts of Black Women Birthing Justice to increase the number of Black doulas, make doula care affordable and accessible, and acknowledge and lift up the often-invisible work carried out by Black doulas. It distinguishes community doulas from other kinds of doulas and scope of community doulas is different in important ways that have implications for Black birthing people. The chapter explores the development of culturally appropriate doula training for formerly incarcerated women of color, the creation of the Roots of Labor collective, Black Doula Forum, Black Doula Awards and Doula Hotline, and advocacy around public insurance coverage for doula services. It provides evidence that Black doulas address systemic racism, health inequities, and birth trauma, while also cultivating practices that promote community resilience and healing.
